NEW IBERIA, La. — The tight-knit community of Thibodaux is reeling from the heartbreaking loss of 19-year-old Colbi Blanchard, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a devastating two-vehicle crash on U.S. 90 in Iberia Parish. The vibrant young man, full of promise, was taken too soon, leaving behind a grieving family and a community searching for answers.
The collision occurred on the evening of August 26, 2025, around 8 p.m., on the westbound lanes of U.S. 90 near the La. 675 off-ramp. According to the Louisiana State Police, a 2014 Ford Fusion, carrying Blanchard in the front passenger seat, was traveling west when it veered into the painted gore area for reasons yet to be determined. The Ford struck the rear of a stopped 2019 International Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), triggering a violent impact that changed lives in an instant.
Despite being properly restrained, Blanchard and the Ford’s driver sustained severe injuries. The CMV driver, also wearing a seatbelt, escaped with minor injuries. Emergency responders rushed all three to a nearby hospital, where Blanchard fought bravely for his life. Tragically, on Saturday, August 30, authorities confirmed that the young man had passed away, a loss that has left his loved ones and community in profound sorrow.
Louisiana State Police investigators are piecing together the events leading to the crash, with early findings pointing to driver fatigue as a possible factor. While impairment is not suspected, routine toxicology tests were conducted on both drivers to ensure a thorough investigation. The inquiry remains ongoing, as authorities seek to uncover the precise cause of this preventable tragedy.
Colbi Blanchard’s death serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the critical importance of road safety. The Louisiana State Police urge drivers to remain vigilant, emphasizing that fatigue can impair judgment as severely as alcohol or drugs. As the investigation continues, the community mourns a young life lost and rallies to support Blanchard’s family in their time of unimaginable grief.